Running a digital exhibition online

PSA Journal, Feb, 2004 by Nick Muskovac

After serving as Exhibition Chairmen for four Electronic Imaging exhibitions, my son (Matt Muskovac, also a PSA member) and I have developed a procedure for running digital exhibitions that we think will encourage more exhibitions and greater participation, given the explosion of digital imaging in the last few years.

We have successfully managed four exhibitions (Suncoast Virtual in 2002 and 2003 and PSA-EID International in 2002 and 2003) with a set of computer programs that Matt wrote. To encourage others to do this, we will give these programs to those who wish to use them. We would ask only that the CD duplication and distribution costs be covered.

The collection of seven programs will greatly reduce the time required to chair a digital exhibition. Except for judging day, I was able to manage the exhibitions by myself spending about 3-5 hours per week.

The seven software programs are as follows:

1. Collator: Collates the entry forms into a master file. Since the entry form is filled out on the Internet and submitted via e-mail, the exhibition workers do not have to manually enter the information. The Collator prepares the images for judging by sorting the images by section and round with the images in each round randomly distributed. The program tan accommodate up to six sections and 10,000 images. The Collator creates a Status List. This list is posted on the website and updated at least weekly. The entrant is able to view the Status Page on the website to let them know if their fee and entries have been received in good order. The Collator also creates a list for mailing labels. The Collator uses a special file naming convention. This naming convention is explained on the software CD.

2. Viewer: Displays the images sequentially for judging. The keyboard is used to advance the images. This program also checks image pixel dimensions and filenames to make sure that Entry Rules are followed.

3. Scorer: Program allows scores to be entered on a 2nd computer.

4. Report: After scoring the images, the Report Program creates Report Cards in a text format. The individual Report Cards are then copied/pasted into an e-mail program to be sent to entrants. The Report Program creates a traditional salon acceptance list in text format and a separate Results Table for the Star Ratings Director. The Report Program also creates the Salon Statistics.

5. Image Prep: This program saves a lot of time by preparing the HTML images and Results pages for posting on the Internet after the salon has been judged. The Image Prep Program lets you set the image pixel dimensions.

6. HTML: Works with the Image Prep Program and creates the HTML web pages, using Le prepared images, for posting the results on the Internet, and the HTML results for the CD-ROM Catalog.

7. Slide Show Prep: This program creates image sizes, with names and titles included, and can be used to produce a self-running slide show for the CD-ROM Catalog. Images are sized for a screen resolution of 1024 X 768 pixels.

An EID Digital Exhibition is similar to a Color Slide Exhibition. Members send their pictures to the Exhibition Chairman. Instead of sending slides, the entrant sends electronic files. The pictures are then projected onto a screen for judging.

I would like to see more Digital Exhibitions in this exciting world of electronic imaging. You don't need to send slides or prints by postal mail to participate. You use e-mail instead. You just need to get your pictures into your computer The use of digital cameras makes it very easy to do this. You can also scan your prints or slides into your computer as electronic files.

Managing a digital exhibition becomes an easy task using this set of digital software and it is available to you for the asking.

ONLINE DIGITAL EXHIBITION RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. PC-compatible computer.

2. Website: Microsoft Front Page or another web page editor that has a "Form" output compatible with Front Page. Your website must be capable of handling Microsoft Form extensions.

3. Second computer on judging day.

4. Electronic Projector with 1024 X 768 resolution, 1000 lumens brightness minimum and 400:1 contrast ratio minimum. A 72-inch screen; (Matte White is recommended).

5. E-mail system that will accept large attachments (10 MB recommended); you will need a high-speed Internet connection.

6. PSA recognition so that entrants will be eligible for Who's Who and Star Ratings. The exhibition will be listed in the Journal.

7. FIAP Patronage (optional) will attract PSA members worldwide.

Manuscript Mechanics

Attention all Contributors to the PSA Journal

For nearly 70 years, PSAers have been writing articles for the PSA Journal. Tremendous changes have taken place in both the photographic industry and in the printing industry. While many of the key elements of preparing a manuscript for the same, new technology has brought some new requirements.

The preferred method for submission of material for the Journal via e-mail. Simply attach your word processor file (most any document format is fine) to the e-mail and send it to the PSA Journal Editor at editor@psa-photo.org. If your e-mail program does hot allow you to send attachments, copy the text from your word processing program directly into the body of the e-mail. Providing a digital file for your typewritten text keeps us from having to type it again and is a very efficient way to ensure that your submission is included in the Journal with the information just as you typed it (with the exception of any editorial changes deemed necessary).